Cannabis is illegal for both medical and recreational use in Tennessee. However, an exception allows the use of low-THC cannabis oil for patients with a qualifying condition. Additionally, delta-8, delta-10 THC, THC-O, and other minor cannabinoids manufactured from hemp-derived CBD are legal.

Marijuana Laws in Tennesee

In 2014, SB 2531 was passed in the Tennessee state legislature, which legalized 0.6% low-THC oil for research on patients with intractable seizures. Since then, the program has expanded to include more conditions and increased the THC percentage to 0.9%.

Although there is no comprehensive medical cannabis program in Tennessee, the high-CBD, low-THC oil program allows the use of cannabis products with 0.9% THC or less for patients with debilitating conditions that have the appropriate certification from a state-licensed physician. However, there are no state-licensed dispensaries for qualifying patients to purchase medicine.

The unauthorized possession, sale, and cultivation of cannabis remains illegal and incurs harsh penalties, including up to 60 years imprisonment or fines up to $500,000.

What to Know About About Medical Cannabis in Tennessee

The medical use of cannabis is not legal in Tennessee, but there is a high-CBD, low-THC oil program for certain qualifying patients. Marijuana program regulations differ from state to state and occasionally in different cities. It’s essential to understand the cannabis laws in your area to ensure compliance.

There Are Certain Qualifying Conditions

SB 118 expanded the list of qualifying conditions that would make patients eligible for the low-THC oil program. Initially, only patients with seizure disorders were allowed to apply for certification. Since the expansion qualifying conditions include:

• AIDS/HIV
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Cancer
• Crohn’s disease
• Epilepsy or seizures
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Intractable seizures
• Multiple sclerosis
• Parkinson’s disease
• Recalcitrant nausea and vomiting
• Sickle cell disease
• Ulcerative colitis

Telemedicine Is Not Allowed for MMJ Certification

According to the 2022 Tennessee Medical Cannabis Commission report, patients must obtain a “written certification.” Doctors are not permitted to issue this written certification to a patient based on an assessment performed through telemedicine.

Join our waitlist and get notified as soon as the law changes. When we’re up and running in the state, Leafwell can help you connect with a physician and apply for your medical card from the comfort of your home.

Tennessee Doesn’t Have Reciprocity Laws

Since there is no state-sponsored medical cannabis program in Tennessee, out-of-state medical cannabis cards are not recognized.

The following states and U.S. territories, however, do have reciprocity laws:

• Arizona
• Alaska ^
• California ^
• Colorado ^
• Connecticut ^
• Delaware ^
• Guam
• Hawaii *
• Illinois ^
• Maine
• Maryland ^ (as of July 2023)
• Massachusetts
• Michigan (qualifying state must also have reciprocity with Michigan)
• Missouri ^
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey *
• New Mexico * (recreational cannabis is legal in NM)
• New York ^
• Oklahoma *
• Oregon ^
• Pennsylvania (minors only)
• Puerto Rico
• Rhode Island
• U.S. Virgin Islands *
• Utah (max. 45 days, after which the patient must apply for a Utah MMJ card)
• Vermont ^
• Virginia ^
• Washington ^
• Washington D.C.

States marked with * require visitors to complete a visiting patient application for their stay.

States marked with ^ have adult use programs but do not accept out-of-state cards.

Can You Grow Cannabis in Tennessee?

Cannabis cultivation is illegal in Tennessee. Growing marijuana plants for any reason comes with felony charges in the state of Tennessee and is punishable by up to 60 years in prison or fines ranging from $5,000-$500,000.

The Bottom Line

Recreational marijuana and using cannabis for medical purposes are both illegal in Tennessee. However, an exception allows the use of low-THC cannabis oil for seizure patients. Delta-8, delta-10 THC, THC-O, and other minor cannabinoids manufactured from hemp-derived CBD are legal.